Gag Grouper (also known as Gag, Grouper) in South Carolina. Minimum legal size, daily bag limit, possession limit — verified against the SCDNR guide, 2026.
In South Carolina, the minimum legal size for Gag Grouper is 24 in and the daily bag limit is 1 gag or black grouper (within a 3-grouper aggregate). Season note: Open seasons and these size and bag limits are reviewed at least annually and can change in-season — always confirm the current South Carolina rules (including open dates, depth and area) before keeping fish.
Open seasons and these size and bag limits are reviewed at least annually and can change in-season — always confirm the current South Carolina rules (including open dates, depth and area) before keeping fish.
The closed-season dates on the SCDNR/eRegulations table apply to FEDERAL waters only; SC state waters (out to 3 miles) are year-round per the May 8, 2025 law. STATE waters (0-3 mi): no closed season since May 8, 2025 (SC Act / S.219, all snapper-grouper-complex species except black seabass and red snapper); min size 24-inch TL; counts toward the 3-grouper aggregate (max 1 gag or black grouper/person/day). FEDERAL waters (3-200 mi): seasonal closures set annually (the eRegulations table currently shows federal-only closed periods 'June 26 - Dec. 31, 2025' (Gag) and 'Jan. 1 - Apr. 30, 2026' (Gag and Black)); 2-fish vessel limit in federal waters. Federal min size is also 24-inch TL.
These limits are pulled from the SCDNR saltwater size and catch limits. Last verified June 2026.
Always check the official guide before keeping any fish. Regulations change. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources updates its guide annually and occasionally mid-year. Fines for over-bag or undersized fish are significant.
South Carolina requires a Saltwater Recreational Fishing License for anyone aged 16 or older harvesting marine resources. SC saltwater licences.
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